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Vincennes Today
By the People, for the People
Howard Hatcher, Longtime Vincennes Public Servant, Dies at 82
Hatcher spent over 30 years with the Vincennes Police Department and later served as mayor and emergency preparedness coordinator.
Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:56pm
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Howard Hatcher, a longtime public servant in Vincennes, Indiana, passed away on March 21st at the age of 82. Hatcher had a distinguished career in public safety and local government, serving over 30 years with the Vincennes Police Department and later as mayor of Vincennes. After retiring from city government, he continued working in public service as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator with the Knox County Health Department, helping guide the community's pandemic response.
Why it matters
Hatcher's passing marks the end of an era for Vincennes, as he was deeply embedded in the community's public safety and civic life for decades. His commitment to public service and focus on helping those in need left a lasting impact on the city and county he served.
The details
Hatcher joined the Vincennes Police Department in 1965 at the age of 21 and rose to the rank of major during his over 30-year career. After retiring from the police force, he was elected mayor of Vincennes and served one term. Following his time in city government, Hatcher took on the role of Emergency Preparedness Coordinator with the Knox County Health Department, where he helped plan for disaster response and public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Hatcher joined the Vincennes Police Department in 1965 at age 21.
- Hatcher served over 30 years with the Vincennes Police Department.
- Hatcher was elected mayor of Vincennes and served one term.
- Hatcher became the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator with the Knox County Health Department after retiring from city government.
- Hatcher passed away on March 21, 2026 at the age of 82.
The players
Howard Hatcher
A longtime public servant in Vincennes, Indiana who spent over 30 years with the Vincennes Police Department, served as mayor, and worked as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator with the Knox County Health Department.
Knox County Health Department
The local public health department where Hatcher served as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator after retiring from city government.
What they’re saying
“It's always about the people,”
— Howard Hatcher
What’s next
Funeral arrangements for Howard Hatcher have not yet been announced.
The takeaway
Howard Hatcher's decades of public service in Vincennes and Knox County, from his time with the police department to his roles in city government and emergency preparedness, left a lasting impact on the community. His commitment to helping others and staying connected to the people he served is a testament to his legacy.
